1. Tuesdays with Morrie Section 7 Discussion

2. Tuesdays with Morrie The Eleventh Tuesday: We Talk About Our Culture

3. Question 1 How does the reader know that Morrie is close to the end? The reader knows that Morrie is close to the end because the disease has spread to his lungs. The poison is solidifying in his lungs and a therapist must bang it out so Morrie can cough it up. Morrie could suffocate from not being able to breathe.

4. Question 2 What secret does Morrie share with Mitch? Morrie tells Mitch that we need others to take care of us when we are born, and we need others to take care of us when we are old, but the secret is that we need others in between as well.

5. Question 3 Explain the irony when the Trial of the Century reaches its conclusion and its connection to Morrie’s life. The Trial of the Century consumes American culture. People spent a great deal of time watching the drama play out on television. The trial is the sort of media circus that Morrie abhorred, and the people in the trial represent what Morrie thinks is wrong with American culture. The irony is that while everyone is watching the conclusion of the trial, Morrie uses the restroom.

6. Additional Information Quote Quote Pg. 152- “A nervous laughter that comes when the devil is within earshot.” Pg. 152- “A nervous laughter that comes when the devil is within earshot.”

7. Tuesdays with Morrie The Audiovisual: Part Three

8. Question 4 Describe Morrie’s relationship with Ted. Would Morrie consider it a relationship or a business deal? Morrie does, in fact, have a relationship with Ted. They have developed a camaraderie that allows them to say good- bye, rather than just sit through an interview.

9. Question 5 How is this interview different from the previous two? This interview is different because it is conducted in Morrie’s study. Morrie is visibly weakened. The interview is also different because it takes the form of a conversation rather than an interview.

10. Question 6 How does Morrie respond when Ted asks him if he is more afraid of death now that it is near? Morrie responds by telling Ted that he is less afraid. He is practicing his theory of detachment, and he is able to let go of the outside world.

11. Question 7 What glimpse do we get of Morrie’s religion? Does it seem consistent with the way Morrie spoke about religion before? Morrie talks to God. His religion does seem consistent with his views earlier in the book. Even though Morrie juxtaposes many religions into one, he still believes that God is in control of his destiny.

12. Additional Information Pg. 160- Ted Koppel tells Morrie “If you don’t want to do it, Morrie, it’s okay; I’ll come up and say good-bye anyhow.” We can see that Morrie “had even coaxed compassion out of the television business.” Pg. 160- Ted Koppel tells Morrie “If you don’t want to do it, Morrie, it’s okay; I’ll come up and say good-bye anyhow.” We can see that Morrie “had even coaxed compassion out of the television business.”

13. Additional Information Morrie’s character Morrie’s character Pg. 162- “As his body rotted, his character shone even more brightly.” Pg. 162- “As his body rotted, his character shone even more brightly.” Last line- “It was the first time Morrie admitted talking to God.” Last line- “It was the first time Morrie admitted talking to God.”

14. Tuesdays with Morrie The Twelfth Tuesday: We Talk About Forgiveness

15. Question 8 What story does Morrie discuss that he feels that he needs to forgive himself? Morrie describes a situation where he parted ways with a man named Norman. The man was a very close friend of Morrie’s and Charlotte’s. When Charlotte became ill many years ago, Norman and his wife did not get in contact with them. Charlotte and Morrie were very hurt, and then decided to drop the relationship. When Morrie would see Norman on other occasions, Norman would try to make amends, but Morrie would not forgive him. Since that time, Norman has passed away, and Morrie never saw him to forgive him. Morrie must now forgive himself for his actions.

16. Question 9 Again, Mitch is surprised that Morrie feels lucky in spite of his disease. Why does Morrie feel lucky? Morrie feels fortunate because he is given time to say good-bye, and in this instance, he is given time to forgive. Morrie keeps explaining to Mitch that not everyone is given that chance.

17. Question 10 Explain the symbolism in the following statement: “The hibiscus plant behind his head was still holding on, small but firm.” (Pg. 167) The imagery in the hibiscus plant reflects the life that Morrie still holds in his weakening frame. Morrie’s body is fading physically, but spiritually and mentally, Morrie is still holding on to life. At the beginning of the book, the hibiscus plant was full of life, and by revisiting the withering plant now, it symbolizes Morrie’s decline.

18. Question 11 How does Morrie’s admission reflect the nature of the relationship that Morrie has with Mitch in the last page of the chapter? (Pg. 168). Morrie and Mitch have always been extremely close, despite the many years that they spend without contact. Morrie’s statement reflects the way in which he fathers Mitch, through advice and teachings.

19. Question 12 Describe the place Morrie chooses to be buried. Morrie finds a place on a hill, beneath a tree, and overlooking a pond. Morrie describes the place as being a perfect place to think.

20. Question 13 What does Morrie ask Mitch to do after Morrie passes away? Morrie would like Mitch to visit him at his grave. Morrie asks Mitch to visit on Tuesdays because they are “Tuesday people.”

21. Additional Information Pg. 164- Mitch has changed, showing Morrie affection by rubbing his feet. Pg. 164- Mitch has changed, showing Morrie affection by rubbing his feet. Pg. 164- “There is no point in keeping vengeance or stubbornness. These things… I do regret in my life. Pride. Vanity.” Pg. 164- “There is no point in keeping vengeance or stubbornness. These things… I do regret in my life. Pride. Vanity.” This answers the question that Mitch had for Morrie when he first saw him on the TV. This answers the question that Mitch had for Morrie when he first saw him on the TV.

22. Additional Information Pg. 167- Hibiscus Plant Pg. 167- Hibiscus Plant “The hibiscus plant behind his head was still holding on, small but firm.” “The hibiscus plant behind his head was still holding on, small but firm.” Last line- “All I was afraid of was saying good-bye.” Last line- “All I was afraid of was saying good-bye.” Last line- “After I’m dead, you talk. And I’ll listen.” Last line- “After I’m dead, you talk. And I’ll listen.” Humor even in the face of death. Humor even in the face of death.

23. Additional Information Pg. 165- “I thought this friend had sculpted a little spirit as well.”- Goes back to the discussions of spirits & other cultures’ beliefs about spirits. Pg. 165- “I thought this friend had sculpted a little spirit as well.”- Goes back to the discussions of spirits & other cultures’ beliefs about spirits.

24. Tuesdays with Morrie The Thirteenth Tuesday: We Talk About the Perfect Day

25. Question 14 Why does Morrie want to be cremated? Morrie wants to be cremated because he believes that his body is only a shell. He believes that his body is only the container that holds a person’s soul.

26. Question 15 Morrie believes that we are part of nature. The reader is reminded of this imagery every time the text describes the life cycle of the hibiscus plant. Even though we are part of nature, how does Morrie believe that we are different? Morrie believes that we are different because we can love each other.

27. Question 16 Why does Morrie believe that he could never become the man he once was? Morrie does not think that he could be the old Morrie because he has faced the ultimate questions.

28. Question 17 What does Morrie believe are the ultimate questions? Morrie believes that the ultimate questions “have to do with love, responsibility, spirituality, awareness.” (Pg. 175)

29. Question 18 Describe Morrie’s perfect physical day? Describe your perfect day? What do our perfect days tell us about ourselves? Morrie’s perfect day is described as: “I’d get up in the morning, do my exercises, have a lovely breakfast of sweet rolls and tea, go for a swim, then have my friends come over for a nice lunch. I’d have them come one or two at a time so we could talk about their families, their issues, talk about how much we mean to each other. Then I’d like to go for a walk, in a garden with some trees, watch their colors, watch the birds, take in the nature that I haven’t seen in so long now. In the evening, we’d all go together to a restaurant with some great pasta, maybe some duck–I love duck–and then we’d dance the rest of the night. I’d dance with all the wonderful dance partners out there, until I was exhausted. And then I’d go home and have a deep, wonderful sleep.” (Pg. 176) Answers will vary.

30. Question 19 Explain the allegory of the wave and how it connects to Morrie’s ideas about reincarnation. Answers will vary. Students should connect the story of the wave to the other stories about renewal. The allegory is about how the wave as it crashes into the shore does not ever die but becomes part of the ocean. Morrie does not believe that when he dies, he will be nothing; Morrie believes that when he dies he will live through memory, and somehow he will be part of the human race again.

31. Additional Information “Make sure they don’t overcook me.”- Humor “Make sure they don’t overcook me.”- Humor Pg. 173- Bridge “I was crossing the bridge into something unknown.” Pg. 173- Bridge “I was crossing the bridge into something unknown.” Pg. 173- hibiscus plant Pg. 173- hibiscus plant Pg. 176- The things Morrie misses the most are dancing, sleeping, and food. Pg. 176- The things Morrie misses the most are dancing, sleeping, and food. Pg. 176- Simplicity was the whole point of Morrie’s perfect day. Pg. 176- Simplicity was the whole point of Morrie’s perfect day. Pg. 177- Morrie give Mitch his brother’s side of the story of why he has alienated his family. Pg. 177- Morrie give Mitch his brother’s side of the story of why he has alienated his family.

32. Figurative Language 20. d 20. d 21. d 21. d 22. b 22. b 23. c 23. c 24. a 24. a

33. Figurative Language 25. a & c 25. a & c 26. c 26. c 27. b 27. b 28. a 28. a 29. b 29. b

34. Additional Information Morrie’s aphorisms Morrie’s aphorisms Pg 172- “People act as if death is contagious…. It’s not contagious, you know. Death is as natural as life. It’s part of the deal we made.” Pg 172- “People act as if death is contagious…. It’s not contagious, you know. Death is as natural as life. It’s part of the deal we made.” Pg. 173- “It’s natural to die… we don’t’ see ourselves as a part of nature. We think because we’re human we’re something above nature….Everything that gets born, dies.” Pg. 173- “It’s natural to die… we don’t’ see ourselves as a part of nature. We think because we’re human we’re something above nature….Everything that gets born, dies.”

35. Additional Information More of Morrie’s aphorisms More of Morrie’s aphorisms Pg. 174- “As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on- in hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.” Pg. 174- “As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on- in hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.” Pg. 174- “Death ends a life, not a relationship” Pg. 174- “Death ends a life, not a relationship” Pg. 175- “Which are the important questions? As I see it, they have to do with love, responsibility, spirituality, awareness.” Pg. 175- “Which are the important questions? As I see it, they have to do with love, responsibility, spirituality, awareness.”

36. Additional Information More of Morrie’s aphorisms More of Morrie’s aphorisms Pg. 177-8- “There is no formula to relationships. They have to be negotiated in loving ways with room for both parties, what they want and what they need, what they can do and what their life is like. In business, people negotiate to win. They negotiate to get what they want. Maybe you’re too used to that. Love is different. Love is why you are as concerned about someone's situation as you are about your own.” Pg. 177-8- “There is no formula to relationships. They have to be negotiated in loving ways with room for both parties, what they want and what they need, what they can do and what their life is like. In business, people negotiate to win. They negotiate to get what they want. Maybe you’re too used to that. Love is different. Love is why you are as concerned about someone's situation as you are about your own.”

37. Additional Information Morrie’s aphorism Morrie’s aphorism Pg. 154- “People are only mean when they are threatened… and that is what our culture does. That’s what our economy does. Even people who have jobs in our economy are threatened, because they worry about losing them. And when you get threatened, you start looking out only for yourself. You start making money a god. It is all part of this culture….Which is why I don’t buy into it.” Pg. 154- “People are only mean when they are threatened… and that is what our culture does. That’s what our economy does. Even people who have jobs in our economy are threatened, because they worry about losing them. And when you get threatened, you start looking out only for yourself. You start making money a god. It is all part of this culture….Which is why I don’t buy into it.”

38. Additional Information More of Morrie’s aphorisms More of Morrie’s aphorisms Pg. 155- “What I mean by building your own little subculture…. I don’t mean you disregard every rule of your community. I don’t go around naked, for example. I don’t run through red lights. The little things, I can obey. But the big things- how we think, what we value- those you must choose for yourself. You can’t let anyone- or any society- determine those for you….The way to do it, I think, isn’t to run away. You have to work at creating your own culture.” Pg. 155- “What I mean by building your own little subculture…. I don’t mean you disregard every rule of your community. I don’t go around naked, for example. I don’t run through red lights. The little things, I can obey. But the big things- how we think, what we value- those you must choose for yourself. You can’t let anyone- or any society- determine those for you….The way to do it, I think, isn’t to run away. You have to work at creating your own culture.”

39. Additional Information More of Morrie’s aphorisms More of Morrie’s aphorisms Pg. 156-7- “The problem…is that we don’t believe we are as much alike as we are…. If we saw each other as more alike, we might be eager to join in one big human family in this world, and to care about that family the way we care about our own. But believe me, when you are dying, you see it as true. We all have the same beginning- birth- and we all have the same end- death. So how different can we be? Invest in the human family. Invest in people. Build a little community of those you love and love you back.” Pg. 156-7- “The problem…is that we don’t believe we are as much alike as we are…. If we saw each other as more alike, we might be eager to join in one big human family in this world, and to care about that family the way we care about our own. But believe me, when you are dying, you see it as true. We all have the same beginning- birth- and we all have the same end- death. So how different can we be? Invest in the human family. Invest in people. Build a little community of those you love and love you back.”

40. Additional Information Morrie’s aphorisms Morrie’s aphorisms Pg. 162- “Living means I can be responsive to the other person. Means I can show my emotions and my feelings. Talk to them. Feel with them… When that is gone, Morrie is gone.” Pg. 162- “Living means I can be responsive to the other person. Means I can show my emotions and my feelings. Talk to them. Feel with them… When that is gone, Morrie is gone.” Pg. 163- “Be compassionate…And take responsibility for each other. If we only learned those lessons, this world would be so much better a place…. Love each other or die.” Pg. 163- “Be compassionate…And take responsibility for each other. If we only learned those lessons, this world would be so much better a place…. Love each other or die.”

41. Additional Information Morrie’s aphorisms Morrie’s aphorisms Pg. 164- “Forgive yourself before you die. Then forgive others.” Pg. 164- “Forgive yourself before you die. Then forgive others.” Pg. 166- “It’s not just other people we need to forgive….We also need to forgive ourselves.” Pg. 166- “It’s not just other people we need to forgive….We also need to forgive ourselves.” Pg. 167- “Make peace with yourself and everyone around you.” Pg. 167- “Make peace with yourself and everyone around you.”